Deadly ‘sloth virus’ detected in UK for first time as health watchdog issues urgent warning

Health authorities have confirmed the first detection of the so-called “sloth virus” in the UK, prompting an urgent public health warning.

The rare virus, officially known as Parvovirus B19-SV, has previously been identified in parts of South America, where it is carried by sloths and linked to severe respiratory illness in humans. This marks the first time the strain has been found in Britain.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the case was identified during routine testing after a traveller returned from Central America. Officials stressed that there is currently no evidence of widespread transmission in the UK, but warned that the virus can cause serious complications in vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms include fever, cough, muscle pain and in severe cases, respiratory failure. The UKHSA has urged doctors and hospitals to be vigilant, while advising the public that the risk of infection remains low at present.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also been notified, with experts now assessing whether the virus poses a wider global threat.